Chaphal

Chalphal is a rustic village situated about 52 km away from Satara and about 164 km away from Pune. A holy place of pilgrimage, Chaphal is renowned for its Shri Ram Temple, which was built by revered 17^th century saint and spiritual poet Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami.

Chaphal’s Shri Ram Mandir is a stunning white colored structure with intricate carvings. The temple’s interiors are also made of white marble. Inside the temple are three beautiful white-marble idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman and a smaller stone idol of Lord Ram. It is said that Shri Ramdas Swami retrieved this smaller stone idol of Lord Ram from the Angapur River and then built a temple around it. This Lord Ram idol was originally an idol of Lord Surya, but Shri Ramdas Swami started worshipping it as Lord Ram. Hence, the idol holds a lotus in both hands instead of a bow, which is seen in most depictions of Lord Ram.

The temple is absolutely clean, and the premises are well-maintained. One can spend a relaxing time here, meditating in the tranquil settings. The temple complex also houses two Maruti Temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The Maruti Temple in front of Shri Ram Mandir is known as Das Maruti temple, whereas the one behind Lord Ram’s temple is called Veer Maruti. These are two of eleven Lord Hanuman temples established by Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami.

One of the main highlights of Shri Ram Mandir is an ancient underground cave situated in its premises. Known as Samarth Dhyan Gumpha, the historically significant cave is the place where Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami practiced meditation. It is also the place where the saint and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj met several times. Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami was the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is possible to enter this small cave by requesting the temple security and authorities to unlock the entrance. The cave is very narrow and dark, so it is a must to keep a torch handy.

There is ample parking space in the temple complex. You’ll also find a few small shops selling puja items, souvenirs and basic refreshments. Lodging facility is available at the nearby Bhakta Niwas, where you can stay overnight. There aren’t many hotels and restaurants in the vicinity of the temple. However, you’ll come across several nice restaurants and hotels in the nearby village of Umbraj.